On The Mark 11.29.15: #Buckeyes vs #Michigan Recap #OSUvsMICH

Hail to the Victors! Ohio State destroys Michigan in The Big House 42-13
By @MarkW2112

Yes, we all know The Victors is the Michigan fight song. But on this day, in Ann Arbor, at Michigan Stadium, it was the Ohio State Buckeyes who were the victors. And what a win it was, as they destroyed the Wolverines 42-13 in a game where the Buckeyes ran over Michigan's defense like a hot knife to butter. It was won in the trenches, with Ezekiel Elliot running for 214 yards and 2 touchdowns and J.T. Barrett running for an additional 139 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. He also threw for a touchdown on a beautiful pass over the defenders head and in to the waiting hands of Jalin Marshall. The Buckeyes offensive line had no problem opening holes for the rushers today as they had last week against Michigan State.

It was the first game for coach Jim Harbaugh against Urban Meyer. It was supposed to be a match set up like Bo Schembechler vs. Woody Hayes. Instead, it was another nightmare for Michigan fans who've seen the likes of Lloyd Carr and Brady Hoke take a beating from Ohio State over the last decade. Quarterback Jake Rudock looked sharp to the start, especially on a beautiful touchdown pass to Jehu Chesson, who led all receivers with 111 yards receiving. Other than a few nice receptions by Jake Butt, the Ohio State defense held their ground all day long, holding all Michigan running backs to a total of 57 yards. Rudock had his day finished early after former high school teammate Joey Bosa, who blew by the offensive tackle to hit Rudock in to the Big House turf. Wilton Speight took over for the rest of game, including an interception to Bosa after batting the ball to himself and almost taking it to the end zone. Adolphis Washington was also disruptive, getting to Rudock many times during the game. It was a hugely disappointing beginning to the Harbaugh era.

My take: This is how the Buckeyes should have played all year. Offensively, it was the best game of the year, especially against a top 10 opponent. J.T. Barrett and Ezekiel Elliot were outstanding today. It seems that having Tim Beck and Ed Warinner up in the booth together was exactly what the offense needed. It's just too bad they couldn't have figured this out before losing to Michigan State, who beat Penn State to win the B1G Eastern division. If there is somehow some luck on the Buckeyes side, there is a very slim chance they could make it to the 4 team playoff. But they blew the opportunity by playing so poorly against Michigan State. The consolation prize is going to the Rose Bowl, a place that meant so much to both the Buckeyes and Michigan in years past.

Player of the game: Ezekiel Elliot. After criticizing the coaches after the heartbreaking loss to Michigan State, Elliot manned up and plowed through Michigan defenders on his way to a 30 carry, 214 yard day. He surpassed Eddie George with the second most rushing yards of any Ohio State player, only behind Archie Griffin. He will be missed in Columbus but his career in the NFL will be one to watch.

Play of the game: While it didn't score a touchdown, Ezekiel Elliot's 66 yard run in the first half seemed to give the push the Buckeyes needed on offense.

Next for the Buckeyes: To be determined.